Pit Stories: Prong's Exposed Genitalia And On-Stage Theft

We've been catching up with metal bands and fans all over to get their best mosh pit stories. This week Prong's Tommy Victor shares the following tale of full frontal male nudity and on-stage theft:

Even though Prong was originally based out of the Lower East Side of Manhattan New York City, we've has some crazy shows out in L.A. Mainly in Hollywood at the Whiskey. For those who are unfamiliar, the lower level is all pit area, with the exception of a few booths by the lower bar. The sound there is always good. Lots of low end and high volume throughout the club, especially downstairs. There isn't a barricade, So if you are onstage you are very connected to the pit audience, literally on top of the crowd.

We did a show years back that was way sold out, that had a few memorable episodes. We were touting like crazy, partying like crazy, pretty much sleeping in our gig clothes, not washing much nor changing much. Our late great bass player Paul Raven had this weird leisure suit that he pretty much lived in. Somewhere down the line the crotch ripped out of the trousers. Raven could care less. With the lack of laundry access and hygiene in general we all pretty much bypassed underwear. So we start our set and I notice a few girls situated directly under Raven pointing upwards and giggling. I'm trying to sing and play and I'm watching these girls laughing at Raven's cock and balls hanging over their heads. We had to stop the show because I couldn't concentrate. I told Raven to move back a bit. He got mad at me.

The show continued and people were going crazy. It was a great crowd. I was leaning over the crowd, singing playing, interacting with the crowd. Suddenly I was interrupted again by a chain smacking into my guitar. I was wearing a chain wallet, I knew that, but this was all chain. I reached back into my rear pocket: no wallet! I was pick pocketed right on stage. I stopped the show and yelled "Somebody stole my wallet!!" I was freaking out, but the show had to go on. I did notice some scuffle by the door, but I continued the set rather upset. There was money, ID, credit cards, etc. in the wallet. Lost now at the Whiskey.

We were loading out and two dudes sweating, panting, approached me declaring they got my wallet while handing it over! They were upstairs, saw the dude who nabbed it. They ran out of the club and chased him down all the way to La Cienega where they jumped him and got it back. They missed the rest of the set but said it was worth it being loyal fans. Every once in awhile I run in to one of the dudes on the Strip and buy him a drink, telling everyone "This is guy who retrieved my wallet ..stolen on stage!!"

Years later Prong is still doing it. We just finished recording and mixing our new LP entitled "Carved Into Stone" on SPV Longbranch records out April 24. Maybe not the Whiskey but see you live soon!

You can get your own taste of Prong insanity live, as the band has already confirmed upcoming 2012 tour dates for February and March. Find a list of the currently announced shows here, and be sure to check back next Tuesday for more Pit Stories.

Ty Arthur is a freelance writer who writes for both entertainment and technical instruction sites. An avid fan of many different forms of metal, he has been involved in reviewing music for several years and is currently a contributing editor for Metalunderground.com